9What Are Glaciers?
Glaciers are large, persistent bodies of dense ice that form over centuries or even millennia. They are created by the accumulation of snow that, over time, compresses into ice due to its own weight. Glaciers are constantly in motion, flowing downhill under the force of gravity. They carve out landscapes, create valleys, and contribute to the formation of some of the most dramatic natural scenery on Earth.
Glaciers can be found on every continent, including Africa and Australia, though they are most commonly associated with polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland. There are two main types of glaciers: alpine glaciers, which form in mountainous regions, and continental glaciers, which cover vast areas of land, such as in Antarctica and Greenland.
